Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) is the perfect dish for cozy nights or family gatherings. This delightful soup features a rich, thick broth packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy gnocchi. It’s comforting yet sophisticated, making it suitable for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a festive gathering. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, this recipe promises to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This soup comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and creamy broth creates an unforgettable taste that rivals your favorite restaurant.
- Nutrient-Packed: Filled with vegetables like spinach and carrots, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Leftovers Taste Great: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.
Tools and Preparation
To make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Why These Tools Matter
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you time in preparation.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your ingredients are balanced for optimal flavor.
Ingredients
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup has a thick and rich broth with shredded carrots, celery, chopped spinach, and gnocchi hidden throughout. This tastes even better than the Olive Garden!
Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup onion (diced)
– 1/2 cup celery (diced)
– 2 garlic cloves (minced)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups half-and-half
– 1 14 ounce can chicken broth (for a thinner soup use 2 cans)
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (chopped)
– 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast (I used rotisserie)
– 1 16 ounce package potato gnocchi (on the pasta aisle)
– Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, add butter and olive oil. Over medium-high heat:
1. Sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add diced celery and minced garlic; cook until tender.
3. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for an additional minute.
Step 2: Add Liquids
Slowly add half-and-half and chicken broth while stirring continuously:
1. Stir until the mixture begins to thicken.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more chicken broth if desired.
Step 3: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
Add thyme, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken breast, and potato gnocchi:
1. Simmer for about five minutes until the gnocchi are cooked through.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Serving Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions that complement this rich and creamy soup.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor of garlic bread pairs beautifully with the soup.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing and croutons balances the richness of the soup.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan on top for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella can create a delightful cheesy pull when served hot.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
To make your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better, consider these simple tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Thickness: For a thinner soup, gradually add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cook Gnocchi Separately: For a firmer texture, cook gnocchi separately before adding them to the soup.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or basil for extra depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
When enjoying Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider that pair wonderfully with this comforting dish.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a light side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition, enhancing your meal’s appeal.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese and garlic are perfect for soaking up the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a hearty complement to the soup.
- Vegetable Risotto: Creamy risotto loaded with vegetables brings an Italian flair to your dinner table.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with chopped tomatoes and basil provides a crunchy contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to steer clear of them:
- Skipping the roux: Not creating a roux with flour and fat can lead to a soup that lacks thickness. Always cook the flour for a minute to ensure it blends well with the liquids.
- Using cold liquids: Adding cold half-and-half or chicken broth can shock the soup base, preventing it from thickening. Warm your liquids slightly before adding them.
- Overcooking the gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi for too long can result in mushy dumplings. Follow package instructions and add them towards the end of cooking.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can make it taste bland. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can affect the flavor and texture of your soup. Opt for fresh produce for the best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Allow to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space in containers for expansion.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, adding extra broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)?
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth that mimics the popular restaurant version.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The total time to prepare Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about 25 minutes, including both prep and cook time.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini or swap out chicken for turkey or lamb based on your preferences.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes! Its creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing for children while still being satisfying for adults.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh; just follow cooking instructions on the package for best results.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delightful but also versatile enough to adapt based on what you have at home. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this dish is perfect for any dinner occasion. Don’t hesitate to try it out and customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Indulge in the warmth of our Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delightful dish reminiscent of your favorite Olive Garden meal. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this soup features a luscious and thick broth filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy gnocchi. In just 25 minutes, you can create a comforting yet refined dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (chopped)
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add diced celery and minced garlic; cook until tender. Stir in flour to make a roux; cook for an additional minute.
- Gradually add half-and-half and chicken broth while stirring continuously until thickened.
- Incorporate thyme, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken breast, and potato gnocchi. Simmer for about five minutes until the gnocchi are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg